KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasNewcomers' Guide
| 88 Ways to Go From Newcomer to Native:
Las Vegas is no ordinary town. From the nonstop entertainment and 24/7 allure to the desert climate and explosive growth challenges, our Valley's unique lifestyle takes some adjusting. It's only natural. After all, good things take time. That's where our Channel 8 team can help. We were the first television station in Nevada 48 years ago—and we're still the most trusted TV news source in town today. As part of our ongoing commitment to keep you informed about your community, our Eyewitness News staff gathered 88 informative (and fun!) tips so you can go from newcomer to native quickly and smoothly. And even if you already know a lot about the Valley, we think you'll enjoy reading each one. From all of us at Channel 8 . . . welcome to Las Vegas. 1 That isn't a UFO beaming down in front of you . . . it's the blinding glare of the desert sun. Sure, you can don dark sunglasses like the Blues Brothers and pull down that visor. But as far as the inside of your car—it'll feel as hot as Mama Leone's pizza oven during our hot summer months, if you don't take some precautions. Use a sunshield whenever your car is parked. They come in various materials and run from $5 to $12. Tinting your car windows is a must. State law allows front windows on either side of the driver tinted so at least 35% light passes through; rear windows can be as dark as you like, provided you have side mirrors. And slightly crack a window to avoid heat buildup and blowing a windshield. 2 Same street, different name. Say, what? Like any city, the quirky roadways of Las Vegas may seem confusing at first. Here's a clue. The streets run in a north-south/east-west pattern, with Las Vegas Boulevard separating the city into east-west sections. LV Boulevard also signals the beginning of our city's east-west street numbering system. (The famous nickname “The Strip” usually refers to that part of the Boulevard running from around Sahara southward.) You can also pick up a book called Directions: A City Guide—available at various local bookstores, office supply shops or mail centers for around $24. It contains every street address along with maps of the city. Of course, you've got to be able to find the store first! If all else fails, give the book's publisher a call at 656-2161 for a store near you. 3 Into cars? Visit the auto collection at Imperial Palace, featuring the world's largest antique and special interest showroom. Their exhibit includes some of the rarest and most exotic cars with over 200 on display at any given time. You'll see classics from noted personalities, like the Pope and Elvis. And guess what? The vehicles in the collection are all for sale too. The showroom is open until mid-evening. And here's the really great part. You can print out your own free pass by going to the casino's website at www.imperialpalace.com, choosing auto collection and then clicking on the free admission link. Sometimes the casino hands out free passes outside in front of the hotel. Otherwise, seniors (over 65) and kids get discounted tickets. 4 For a unique way to enjoy one of our many "perfect weather" days, drive over to the North Las Vegas Airport. Go inside the terminal and upstairs to an indoor-outdoor restaurant called Landing Lights. It opens quite early until late afternoon, so call them at 261-3897. There's a fabulous outdoor deck, offering a view of the runways and much of the Valley. It's a great place to take the kids, eat and watch the aircraft! Plus the zoo is nearby. — Charlotte Evans, Eyewitness News morning anchor and nine-year Las Vegas resident 5 Have a cup a joe and kick back listening to some iambic pentameter (that's poetry lingo). Various coffee shops, bookstores and writer's clubs hold open mike sessions throughout the city. Check the Neon section of the Review Journal for listings. 6 Get involved and help build Nevada's future. Clark County has the 5th largest school district in the nation, operates 266 schools, employs about 14,000 teachers and has a projected enrollment of 246,000 for the 2001-2002 school year. They need help. And you don't have to have school-age kids to volunteer either. Contact the school district or fill out the volunteer form on their website at www.ccsd.net to donate your time mentoring, tutoring or coaching youth; promoting structured activities in non-school hours; expanding access to health services; helping with community service projects or career development education. 7 Protect your investments! If you're thinking of installing a swimming pool or having landscape work done, make sure the company you contracted is legitimate and licensed. Call the Better Business Bureau at 320-4500 and get references. 8 Visit the Old Mormon Fort where Las Vegas Boulevard meets Washington. It's the oldest building in the Valley and gives people a good look at where Las Vegas came from. Call 486-3511 for admission prices and hours of operation. — Gary Waddell, 5 pm, 6 pm, 11 pm Eyewitness News senior anchor and 30-year Las Vegas resident. To find out about other exciting places, visit the Discover Nevada section at klastv.com. 9 Danger, danger, Will Robinson! On a typical Las Vegas summer day, the inside temperature of your car can skyrocket to 125 degrees or even 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes flat. That can spell trouble for children and pets, if left in the car unattended. The heat can cause brain damage or even death. Never leave kids or pets alone in a hot, parked car; always have water available. Check out pet supply stores for travel canteens or bowls for your animal. And if you ever see a child or pet in an unattended-parked car on a warm day, call 9-1-1 or alert authorities. 10 Trust us when we say, “Your previous city doesn't have the exclusive on long DMV lines.” Although we have new technology to help expedite things, there still is a wait. You can avoid much of it by visiting the DMV in the middle of the day, middle of the week, middle of the month. Go the last day before a holiday, not the day after. Make like a Boy Scout and always go prepared. Visit their website at www.nevadadmv.state.nv.us, and choose the new resident guide from their home page selection. The site also contains location info, forms, teen driver information and more. Later on when it's time to renew your vehicle registration or driver's license, you can do that online, by mail or over the phone. The DMV phone line is 486-4368. 11 You may be getting older, but you're also getting . . . discounts! A lot of them, in fact. Many local businesses offer seniors cut-rates, from restaurants and dry cleaners to hair salons and auto maintenance places. Just ask and check their age criteria. 12 No matter where you're from, most people love to dance the night away once in awhile. So if you're game for pulsating sound systems, special effects and large dance floors, then put on your nightclub best. Local clubs like RA and Studio 54 explode with all the sizzle of big city club scenes. Both clubs have a strictly enforced upscale dress code, are open late night hours and are for the 21-and-over crowd. Located inside the Luxor, RA rocks Wednesday through Saturday. Female locals get in free on Wednesday nights; otherwise, there is a cover for both men and women. Call 262-4949. Inside the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Studio 54 revs up on Tuesdays through Saturdays. There's no cover for ladies. Call 891-7254. 13 Some people think of Las Vegas as a cultural wasteland. It isn't. But sometimes you have to look for the good stuff. For example, the Nevada Museum of Natural History is tucked inside Lorenzi Park. It contains wonderful exhibits about Nevada's natural and cultural history, including glimpses of everything from the prehistoric animals that lived here long ago to the atomic testing program conducted at the Nevada test site. Give them a call at 384-3466 for times and admission discount information. — George Knapp, I-Team chief reporter and 22-year Las Vegas resident. Check out George Knapp's I Team reports at klastv.com. 14 Save money and get free advice. Call the Southern Nevada Water Authority's conservation hotline at 258-7283. Visit their website at www.snwa.com for water-smart rebates and services, water guides and a lot more. You can also take a virtual tour of the Desert Gardens at their site. 15 You've got mail—or at least, you could. Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, so there's no reason to miss one sensational show. Simply ask hotels how you can be emailed a list of their current events. You might also want to check their websites for upcoming shows, ticket information, etc. 16 Here's some weird science for you. For a few short days—and long nights—during December and January, the high desert is chilly. The day temperatures may be in the 50s, with nights falling down to the 20s. It's always a good idea to keep a jacket in the trunk of your car. Las Vegas also has had its share of storms. Some produced over nine inches of snow! The last one was in the '70s, which means we could be due for another one. So don't toss out that winter coat or snow shovel. 17 You know you've become a native when . . . you've made the rounds of the all-you-can-stuff-inside-yourself buffets and those jeans won't zip up anymore. Join the rest of us in getting back in shape. Competing health clubs constantly offer monthly and family specials. You also might want to consider the YMCA of Southern Nevada, which offers wellness programs, varied sports, over 50 aerobic and aquacise classes daily, among other recreations for people of all abilities. Call the Meadows Lane location at 877-9622 and the Northwest location at 240-9622. There are also plenty of parks to walk or jog off those extra pounds. Call Clark County Parks & Recreation at 455-8200 for a brochure of locations or visit www.co.clark.nv.us. Call 229-6297 for informational booklets on City parks. 18 Seasonal changes are subtle here in the desert. And you may actually find it difficult to remember dates because of it. Mark those important dates in a permanent calendar to help you keep in sync. — Paula Francis, 5 pm, 6 pm, 11 pm Eyewitness News anchor and 16-year Las Vegas resident 19 Bored? Take a ride near the notorious Area 51—that military installation where our government is alleged to be holding the remains of space aliens and U.F.O.s. Okay, there's nothing really to see, but you can always take your picture in front of the famous sign before heading back home. You might also want to stop off for lunch at one of the nearby rural towns. And check out George Knapp's Area 51 reports at klastv.com. 20 Know when to hold 'em. Gambling in Las Vegas can be a great recreational activity. However, it's always a smart idea to budget your fun properly—and leave your ATM or credit cards at home. Set a limit on your spending based on what you can really afford, then stop when that's gone. 21 C'mon, baby, let's twist and dive! If you're a thrill seeker and for some crazy reason love to feel your stomach turning inside out, then hop on one of the high-speed rides in our fair city. The unique New York-New York's Manhattan Express Roller Coaster gives you a lot of bang (or tummy churning) for your buck and runs daily until late evening. Call 740-6969. The Adventure Dome at Circus Circus houses a number of indoor titillating rides running daily, including a double loop/double corkscrew coaster. Phone 734-0410 for details about their all-day passes. Also check out the Stratosphere's Big Shot and High Roller. Rides run throughout the day until the early hours. Call 380-7777 for price-break info. Nevada residents enjoy a discounted Stratosphere Tower entry. And don't forget the ride at the Sahara called “Speed.” It runs until mid-evening during the week and later on the weekend. Call 737-2111. 22 Want a bird's eye view of your new city? If you're the adventurous type, hop in a hot-air balloon or catch a helicopter ride. Both are fun ways to see the Valley—without that bumper-to-bumper traffic. Several companies offer scenic champagne sunrise and sunset balloon flights daily. Many have family and group rates available. Helicopter rides take you on a tour of the area, including Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Red Rock, among others. Check the yellow pages under “balloon-hot air” and “helicopter” for listings. 23 Eating Mexican food about six times a week, I have become something of an authority on local Mexican restaurants. While my personal motto is “There is no such thing as bad Mexican food,” some local restaurants are better than others. At the upper end of the spectrum are Ricardo's restaurants. They're pricier than a lot of other places, but the food is consistently good and the atmosphere pleasant. Lindo Michoacan on East Desert Inn is a favorite of savvy locals. The Macayo's chain offers solid meals at very reasonable prices. Perhaps the best-kept Mexican secret is the Santa Rosa Taco Shop on Maryland Parkway. I'm reluctant to give it too much praise for fear it will be swamped with new customers. The food is authentic, plentiful and inexpensive.—George Knapp 24 Football fanatics—you're in luck. You can keep your team loyalty and rally around fellow fans. Las Vegas has a slew of local taverns, catering to specific NFL teams. Plus you can enjoy some tasty food, meet some new people and maybe even win some money. Join one of the many football pick contests. They're normally inexpensive and sometimes even free. Check out the Neon section of Friday's Review Journal during football season. 25 Don't let all those bright lights fool you. Las Vegas touts several art galleries on and off the Strip. The Guggenheim Hermitage Museum on the first floor of the Venetian exhibits stunning, masterful pieces. You can find a bevy of work around town, like the Arts Factory downtown near Charleston and Main that houses a number of galleries of local artists and photographers. Visit the Community College of Southern Nevada at Cheyenne for traveling exhibits, workshops and lectures; call 655-4113. Enjoy year-round visual arts at UNLV's Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery (895-3893) or the Las Vegas Art Museum (360-8000), with its senior/student discounts and free admission for kids 12 and under. 26 For gas-related tips, visit the Southwest Gas site: www.swgas.com. You can also sign up for service and pay your bill online. Plus they offer an Equal Payment Plan, which evenly distributes your yearly natural gas costs into equal monthly payments. Helps with budgeting, big time. Call 365-1555. 27 Folks who move here often don't realize the initial signs of dehydration: headache, backache, dizziness, lethargy, constipation, stomach ache. Hunger is often really a sign of thirst. So drink something first, then eat. — Charlotte Evans 28 The weather in Las Vegas may seem uneventful compared to where you moved from—but don't let that fool you. Temperature and wind changes can be extreme and are important to track. Get up-to-the-minute weather data 24/7 from nearly 40 of Channel 8's live weather stations. You can access KLAS TV's Neighborhood Weather network during Eyewitness News on TV 8 and at our site: www.klastv.com . Or call Sprint's free 1-1-8 time/weather phone line to hear Kevin Janison give wind speeds and temperatures from the weather site closest to your calling area. Get your neighborhood weather forecast sent directly to you every day. Sign up for Kevin's Forecast from Eyewitness News Now at our website. 29 Have you officially become a Nevada resident? If so, you've got 30 days to change your license and vehicle registration. After that . . . hop on a bus! CAT—Citizen Area Transit—runs daily, from 5 am to 1 am, with a few exceptions running 24 hours. Routes run east and west or north and south. Fares must be paid with exact change. The cost is $1.25 for all routes each way, except for the Strip, which is $2 each way. Seniors, students and disabled individuals may receive discounts. Children five and under ride free, if with a responsible person. Personal Care Attendants may also be eligible to ride free. Call 228-7433 or visit their website at www.catride.com for more information. CAT is located at 301 Clark Avenue. 30 It's a dove, it's a glove . . . it's super magician! If you love watching things disappear, then you've definitely moved to the right place. Magicians nearly outnumber Elvis impersonators here in Las Vegas. (And that takes some doing!) Catch one of two shows performed nightly by master magician Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call 730-7160 for reservations or make them online at www.monte-carlo.com, selecting the entertainment section. And if you're wild about Harry (Houdini, that is), then escape over to the Venetian's Houdini Museum. Their exhibit includes many of the legendary escape artist's authentic equipment used in his acts. A great family value, the museum is open daily until late night. Call 796-0301 for more info. Oh, and just one more thing—keep the kids away from those famed handcuffs! 31 Water—we found water! That's not a mirage, folks . . . that's Lake Mead. Regardless of the season, give yourself a real treat. Cruise the lake on the Desert Princess, an authentic 300-passenger paddle wheeler with two climate-controlled decks and an open promenade deck. There are various cruises to choose from, including a leisurely weekend breakfast-buffet excursion, midday cruise and an adult-only gourmet dinner cruise with live entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays. Call Lake Mead Cruises at 293-6180 for details or visit their website at: www.lakemeadcruises.com. 32 Way-way-way off Broadway . . . but you can still get a taste of Manhattan's shows right here. Cats, Chicago and Lord of the Dance are just some of the Broadway productions that have performed here in Las Vegas hotels. Culture surrounds you in the desert, from the Las Vegas Philharmonic and chamber ensembles to community theatre and beyond. Keep tabs on anything happening anywhere in town by reading the Neon section of the Review Journal. 33 Which track are your kids on? Some district schools run 9-month sessions, others 12-month. Even the beginning and starting times are different. (Good reason to watch out for those school zones!) Call the Clark County District at 799-5011 for information or visit their extremely helpful website at www.ccsd.net. You'll find info on how to enroll students, transportation requests, curriculum overviews, zoning and regional maps, calendar highlights, important phone numbers, policies and regulations as well as help with parenting issues. The Clark County School District is located at 2832 East Flamingo Road. 34 If you play Megabucks, never bet less than $3 a pull. (Wouldn't you just hate yourself if you won with only $1 in!) Also, never spend more than $21 on Megabucks per outing. Historically, people who win the jackpot, do it with just a few pulls. Once you've lost $21, it's time to stop. — Charlotte Evans 35 Gazoontite! That may not be a cold. Dry climate allergies are a problem, even if you've never had them before moving to our Valley. You can find a good allergist by calling any area hospital's physician referral line during the week or visiting the Find a Doctor section of the hospital's website. If you're into the holistic approach, check the yellow pages under health & diet food products—retail. Several shops carry a homeopathic remedy specifically tailored to the allergens indicative to our Valley, like pollen, ragweed, oleander, olive, etc. Want to keep healthy? Get the latest health news emailed to you by signing up for Paula's Healthwatch on Eyewitness News Now at klastv.com. 36 Would you like some action with that? If you like your dinner with a little jousting thrown in, try Excalibur's Tournament of Kings. You'll enjoy a three-course meal (eaten with your hands—the kids will be in their glory) while watching knights clash it out on horseback, invading armies and battling dragons. The lavish show, held in King Arthur's Arena, runs twice nightly. Kids under 3 are free, if you hold them on your lap and share your dinner. Make reservations either at the show booth or call 597-7600. 37 Sign up for monthly energy-saving tips at www.nevadapower.com. You can save 10% - 25% by following their suggestions. For example, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home during the cold months and down 10 degrees when you're sleeping or not home. In warmer months, set the thermostat to around 80 degrees when at home and 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not home. Change your filters often and consider adding room fans. If you're on a budget, try their Equal Payment Plan to keep your finances in the black. Call 367-5555. 38 Want to stay connected with your new community? Watch Las Vegas ONE—Las Vegas' first and only local 24-hour news station. A partnership of Cox Communications, the Las Vegas Sun and KLAS-TV8, LV1 has over 380,000 subscribers. LV1's own News One airs weeknights from 9 pm to 11 pm, delivering two hour-long newscasts with the latest news and information on significant issues impacting Southern Nevada. DayOne Las Vegas is the Valley's only daily, hour-long morning call-in program. And the daily, half-hour Face to Face with Jon Ralston features probing one-on-one interviews with people who make the news or are the news. LV1 also offers LIVE broadcasts of high-profile local trials and events, rebroadcasts of KLAS Eyewitness news, Bloomberg Business News, Nevada's Eye on Washington, The Wall Street Journal Report and All News Channel. 39 That's a lovely water bottle you're wearing. The first rule of thumb for staying hydrated in the dry, hot Las Vegas climate is simple: always, always carry water with you. Be sure to drink 8 ounces every hour and double that, if you're outdoors or physically active. Try filling plastic water bottles with water and freezing them overnight. The water will stay colder longer when you're outside or in your car. You can also pick up individual two-liter water bottles with carrying straps in many local shops. They come in a variety of colors so you can match your outfit—in case you run into the fashion police. 40 Forget playing moving tailgate party on Nevada roads . . . think twice before following too closely in traffic. According to our Metropolitan Police Department, from October 2000 to the end of September 2001, 34.5% of auto accidents were caused by rear-end collisions and 29.4% were cited for driver inattention. (You know, like munching on that Big Mac, yelling at the kids, fidgeting with the car radio, putting on makeup, etc.) So it's a good idea to keep a safe distance, pay attention and slow down. There's really no rush—Las Vegas is open 24 hours. 41 Get the straight scoop. When playing slots and you see signs reading “100% payback,” it doesn't mean you can win back 100% of your money right away. The person before you may have won 200% of his/her investment. You may very well run out of cash before your 100% kicks in. 42 Service, service, service. That's what makes our town what it is. So many of your fellow Las Vegans depend on tips for a good part of their income. Keep that in mind whenever you're out and about. Whether you're on the Strip or dining in a neighborhood restaurant, tipping is an integral part of our Las Vegas lifestyle. Everyone from cocktail servers, bartenders, dealers, bingo or keno runners and writers to change clerks, restaurant servers, bus boys, valet attendants, taxi or shuttle drivers, showroom servers and maids should be tipped for their service. As a guideline: 20% is considered standard for good restaurant service. A buck per drink is average. And it's not a bad idea to tip the bingo or keno runner/writer a dollar once in a while, even if you're not winning. Also share your winnings with people like the change person or others who served you, if you get lucky. 43 Las Vegas isn't all buffets—really. Some of the finest restaurants in the world are right here. Wolfgang Puck has five alone: Spago, Trattoria Del Lupo, Postrio, Chinois. Check out the Las Vegas dining guide under the entertainment section of our website: www.klastv.com . Each week, food reviewer and Vegas gourmand Muriel Stevens takes a look at another Valley restaurant. 44 Space . . . the final frontier. Even if you're not a Trekky, you'll find the Planetarium at the Community College of Southern Nevada fascinating. They have varied performances with telescopes available afterward. Shows run twice nightly on Fridays and Saturdays. Seniors, students and kids enjoy discounted admission. Call 651-4759 for a schedule of events. And with the crystal clear skies across the Valley, consider buying your own telescope. You can view the moon and brighter objects around the area, using a three-inch or four-inch aperture. If you head out toward Red Rock or an hour's drive beyond that, you can scan the firmament for deep-sky objects, like other galaxies. 45 The easiest way into any resort is from the 3rd or 4th floor of the parking garage. They generally have direct walkways. — Paula Francis 46 Even some locals don't know about this one. You can still catch a good flick under the stars at the Las Vegas Drive-In Theatre, just like in the good ole days. Located in North Las Vegas across from the Fiesta Hotel & Casino, the drive-in offers five screens and FM stereo sound, right through your car radio. Box hours begin at 6 pm and kids under 12 are free. Every Tuesday is family fun night, offering reduced admission prices and their reportedly “killer” hot dogs for just a $1. Check them out at 4150 W. Carey and phone 646-3565 to hear the movie listing. 47 Have an auto-starter installed in your car. The remote starts your car along with the heat or air conditioning. It's also theft-proof—meaning no one is going to drive off with your car. It's worth the $300 installation fee. 48 Okay, you've moved in and started that new job. But how do you stay on top of the latest-breaking news, weather and traffic? Like thousands of other Nevadans: Sign up for Eyewitness News Now. It's easy and only takes a couple of minutes. Just visit our klastv.com website and click on the Eyewitness News Now link, then fill in the information. News stories will be emailed directly to you wherever you are—at home, in the office or on the road. There are also special features, including Paula's Health and Gary's 8 On Your Side. 49 Meltdown Las Vegas-Style. Leave your favorite CDs and tapes in the car one warm day and you'll be wondering what those misshapen items are stuck to your car seat. And those concert and event tickets you worked so hard to get? Left in the car, they can turn black in no time and become utterly worthless. So instead of a night out, you'll have to turn to entertainment Plan B: TV reruns or checkers. The rule? Don't keep anything in your car, glove compartment or trunk that could melt, warp or explode under extreme heat. 50 As a new resident, you'll soon discover that everyone you have ever known will find out you live here and come to visit. Inevitably they will want to stay with you. If you're not ready to be the proprietor of a bed and breakfast, do the following. When they tell you they're coming to town, say “Great. Where are you staying?” If they don't get the hint, add that staying on the Strip lets them experience Las Vegas to its fullest. 51 But when relatives do stay at your house, suggest they get a rental car anyway. This offers them some independence—and saves you a lot of hassles. — Charlotte Evans 52 UNLV offers a gamut of cultural events throughout the year. You can catch extraordinary performances by international classical artists in their Charles Vanda Master Series, theatrical presentations from the Best of the New York Stage and intriguing speakers through the Barrick Lecture Series. You can also catch a performance of the Nevada Ballet Theatre at UNLV. There are a number of musical and theatrical student events offered. Call 895-2787 for information, reservations or to get on their event mailing list. 53 You can always go . . . downtown. There's no finer place than the spectacular light show at the Fremont Street Experience, presented under the huge canopy. Shows start at 6:30 pm and run every hour until midnight. Each hour is a new show—and it's free! Park at any hotel-casino garage in the area or valet. Enjoy the street carnival atmosphere with the many sideshows and shopping. 54 Playing tour guide with friends and family? Have a good time, but watch the road and not the attractions. It's one thing to point out the Stratosphere—and another to be a part of it. Sign up for Eyewitness News Now's traffic alerts on klastv.com to discover which streets to avoid. 55 Water is the drink of choice during our hot, hot, hot months. Steer away from caffeinated drinks like soda, some sport drinks, coffee and tea. Caffeine (and yes, it's in herbal teas too) and even alcohol dehydrate the body. Instead, try a healthier option at the popular juice bars around the Valley. They offer refreshing smoothies and other fruit or veggie concoctions. You can also order them with enriching vitamins, immune boosters and fat burners. 56 Always keep one umbrella in the trunk—and another in the coat closet. Since it can be weeks (sometimes months) between rain showers in the desert, you can easily forget the last time you saw your umbrella . . . or even what it looks like. And when you need it, you need it! — Sherry Swensk, Eyewitness News morning weather anchor and seven-year Las Vegas resident 57 Gentleman, start your engines! The roar of the engines, the die-hard crowds and 1,600 acres of nonstop racing fun electrify the northeast side of the Valley. The state-of-the art Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers over a dozen different venues, ranging from go-carts to NASCAR Winston Cup. And if that's not enough, get in on the action with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Derek Daly Performance Driving Academy, 600 Racing, CART Driving 101 and Freddie Spencer's Riding School. Call 644-4444 or visit their website: www.lvms.com. 58 Want to learn more about your new home? Log on to klastv.com. Launched in 1994, our website has been featured in national magazines and recognized as one of the best in the business. Our virtual window to Nevada averages more than 600,000 page views every month. Updated throughout the day, our website provides the latest-breaking news and videos. You can also find special segments such as Discover Nevada, which introduces newcomers and natives alike to the hidden beauty and folklore of this great state. 59 Now if you can't stand the heat, do what many locales do. Head up to Mt. Charleston. Just 32 miles from downtown, it's generally 20 degrees to 30 degrees cooler than Las Vegas. Plus it's a favorite for ski enthusiasts during the winter months—and those of us who love to hang out in the lounge sipping hot chocolate. Mt. Charleston offers numerous outdoor activities, like horseback riding, hiking, camping and picnicking. Make it an overnighter and stay at the Mt. Charleston hotel or in a cabin at the Lodge. Or just drive up for lunch or dinner on your day off and take in the spectacular views. Call the Mt. Charleston hotel at 872-5500 or visit their website: www.mtcharlestonhotel.com. For the Lodge, call 872-5408 or visit www.mtcharlestonlodge.com. Got plans? Check the weather by logging onto klastv.com. 60 Bargain hunters, a.k.a. treasure seekers. Somewhere between the families moving from an apartment to a home and the people who have to get out of town in a hurry lies a dream come true for shrewd shoppers. Do your homework, read the classifieds and get to those garage sales and swap meets early. And thank you for playing The Price is Right, which airs at 10 am on KLAS. 61 Now if you prefer Gucci to K-Mart and have the pocketbook to prove it, then head on out to the Strip for some impeccable delights. Enjoy the elegant promenade VIA Bellagio (693-7111) and the cobblestone walkways of the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes (414-4500). Or delight the senses at Aladdin's Desert Passage (866-0710) and Caesar's Forum shops (893-4800). Most are open until 11 pm Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday-Saturday. 62 My lips are cracking! My lips are cracking! That alligator look is great for shoes—but not your lips and skin. Wear a lip balm like ChapStick with sunscreen to protect your lips. If you're headed outdoors, slap on some sunscreen (at least SPF 15) or throw on a hat. Sunblocks can be used under makeup, and you can even buy some cosmetics (like foundations and lipsticks) containing sunscreen. And don't forget the kids. Get sunblocks made with natural ingredients to guard them. Think like a native and make this your motto: Sunscreen . . . don't leave home without it. 63 Unless you're playing tour guide—you know the routine, showing relatives the volcano, dancing waters on the Strip, yadie yadie yada—jump on the east-west Desert Inn Super Arterial. You can sail along fairly smoothly from one side of the Strip to the other. Just remember there are two school zones on DI and some Las Vegas schools are year-round. Also take advantage of the 215 Beltway, curving from the northwest side of town to the southeast into Henderson. It's a good bet if you're headed to the airport. 64 We're not pulling your . . . tooth. The exploding population growth here in the Valley has surpassed the number of dentists coming to the area. In fact, Las Vegas ranks last in the dentist-to-population ratio. So plan ahead. Do your research and find a good dentist through friends, co-workers or by calling the Southern Nevada Dental Society at 733-8700. You might also check with a nearby hospital since dentists frequently partner with them. In the meantime, floss, baby, floss. 65 He who hesitates . . . may be darn lucky. When you're stopped at an intersection, forget trying to be the first one out of the gate. It's not unusual for someone to try running through a red light, hoping to make it just under the wire. Waiting a few seconds after the light changes could save your life—or someone else's. 66 Hunka hunka burning love. Hard to believe, but two Las Vegas icons appear to be more popular dead than alive: Elvis and Liberace. Just visit their museums and you'll see why. Elvis-A-Rama at 3401 Industrial Road (behind the Fashion Show Mall) exhibits $5 million worth of the legend's distinctive jumpsuits, cars, jewelry and other memorabilia. You'll find the only pair of blue suede shoes worn by the singer and a handwritten love letter from those army days. A live stage show at the top of every hour with—what else?—Elvis impersonators is included in the price. Locals and seniors get $2 off; kids 12 and under are free. Visit www.elvisarama.com or call 309-7200. Relive the glorious days of Mr. Showmanship himself at the Liberace Museum. Exhibits include the pianist's dazzling jewelry, rare antiques, unsurpassed wardrobe, unique and historical pianos and his custom car collection. Located at 1775 East Tropicana Avenue (corner of Spencer), the museum offers seniors and students discounts; kids 12 and under are free. Call 798-5595 or visit their website: www.liberace.org. 67 Don't get caught playing the chasing-your-money game. If you're thinking of gambling, try betting on sports events, which can take several hours to wait for the outcome. 68 Got questions about businesses in your new city? Get straight answers with the help of our Expert Network, exclusively at klastv.com. You can walk through our virtual front door 24 hours a day to a group of experts from various businesses and industries in the Las Vegas area—from real estate and mortgage to shopping or cosmetic surgery. Feel free to ask them questions pertaining to their industry, interacting with them directly or via email. You can also visit their customized website page, right there at our site. 69 Another relaxing getaway locals appreciate is just minutes away. Red Rock Canyon. For $5 per car, you can take a soothing drive around the scenic 13-mile loop—and maybe even spot some wild burros. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take pictures or have a picnic, ride your mountain bike, horseback ride, explore the children's discovery trail or go for a hike. Stop by the visitor center for some cool information about the area and important tips. They also offer naturalist-guided walks, programs and talks. Call 363-1921. And bring your dog and his leash . . . you know how he simply adores going bye-bye. 70 Having too many bad hair days? Could be the notoriously hard water here in Las Vegas. Until your body adjusts, try a moisturizing conditioner. Or you can resort to that old standby . . . wear a hat. 71 For a great view of the Valley at night, drive up toward the Mormon Temple (east on Bonanza). — Dave McCann, Eyewitness News Sports Anchor and nine-year Las Vegas resident 72 Need a good laugh—or looking for some new material to use at that next party? Hop over to one of the many Las Vegas comedy clubs. The Improv at Harrah's—geared for the 18 and older crowd—presents two shows nightly, dark Mondays. Call 369-5000 for reservations. The Riviera's Comedy Club also runs two shows each night, every night. If you grab a Fun Book in the promo area, you can tear out a coupon that'll give you $3 off the ticket price. Call their box office at 794-9433 for details. For those 21 and older, give Excalibur's Catch a Rising Star a try. Performances run twice nightly (except Fridays, with one show). Call 597-7777 for reservations. 73 If you are driving around town . . . welcome to the never-ending saga of the flat tire. Thanks to our tremendous growth, constant construction has made the flat tire as commonplace in Las Vegas as the $3 steak. Be prepared—check your spare and make sure you have a roadside assistance plan. 74 Did somebody say . . . discounts? Indeed we did. With a valid Nevada ID, many clubs and shows designed for tourists offer discounts to locals. So ask when making reservations. Also, cash your local paycheck at some casinos and you might win free meals, cars, cash and more. Check the Neon section of the Las Vegas Review Journal on Fridays for discounted shows for locals and other upcoming events. 75 Moisturizer! Aestheticians (those people who do facials) always say they can tell the difference between the skin of people who have lived in Las Vegas a long time and those who recently moved here. Unfortunately longtime residents often have more fine lines, partly due to the dry climate and the perpetual air conditioning. You really can save your skin if you moisturize daily. — Charlotte Evans 76 During your first summer here, it is unacceptable when the temperature hits 95 degrees to say, "Wow, this is hot." You can think it at 100—but you're not permitted to actually say it until temperatures reach over 105. — Kevin Janison, Eyewitness News weather anchor and seven-year Las Vegas resident 77 Every Las Vegan should be concerned with water conservation. If you're considering desert landscaping, you may want to visit the Desert Demonstration Gardens at Alta and Valley View. You'll develop a great appreciation for low-water plants. Call the Gardens at 258-3205 for details or to be placed on their mailing list of calendar events — Paula Francis 78 What's big, blue and hard to miss? My Hometown Bus! As a new resident—or even if you're a longtime resident—the bus is your vehicle for community involvement. You'll see it around the Valley at events, which celebrate or serve the community. Once you step inside, talk to other volunteers or use the computers onboard to access the many nonprofit agencies in Southern Nevada in need of help. For more information, call the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada at 892-2321. 79 Are you really, really, really into golf? Then take advantage of the weather and world-class courses in Las Vegas. Greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, among others, have designed courses here. And there are plenty of them. Now if you still can't get enough of the sport, install an artificial putting surface instead of a lawn. It looks great and cuts down on water costs—the perfect answer for the frugal golfer. 80 Art, a whole lotta books and more. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District offers a wealth of opportunities, such as art gallery exhibitions, special program events (some theatrical), book and poetry discussion groups or readings, storytelling workshops as well as Internet and computer workshops. Call 382-3493 for event info or visit www.lvccld.org . 81 You can be chauffeured around town. No kidding. Okay, it's not a limousine—but a special CAT bus. CAT Paratransit Services offers curb-to-curb, shared-ride public transportation service. If you're disabled and can't use the regular CAT bus some or all of the time, you may be eligible for this convenient service. Call 228-4800 between 8 am and 5 pm any day of the year to see if you qualify and to reserve a ride. 82 We may not have any sports teams (yet), but UNLV plays a big-time college football and basketball schedule. To get in on the action and keep up with the latest news, call Sports Information at 895-3207 or visit the Rebel website at www.unlvrebels.com. 83 Can't touch this! Children aren't allowed in the main areas of a casino floor. So keep them close and hold their hands. Many hotel-casinos offer babysitting services while you play, eat, catch a movie, etc. For instance, three of the Station casinos—Texas, Sunset and Boulder—have a childcare facility called Kid's Quest. Children from 6 weeks to age 12 can go there for up to five hours a day. They are open daily until late; hourly rates depend upon the child's age group. The Stratosphere and Orleans also offer childcare facilities. Check your favorite casino for their offerings. You'll also find many 24-hour daycare centers throughout the Valley to accommodate our 24/7 town. 84 Kids and Las Vegas—do they really mix? You bet. Our great community has loads of fun activities for kids . . . and books like 101 Things for Kids in Las Vegas prove it. This comprehensive guide by Carol Ann Stout can help you find answers to your children's “We're bored!” routine. Visit your local bookstore or www.amazon.com for information about this or other similar books. 85 Valet parking can be a lifesaver when you're in a hurry. And it offers you two services—parking and retrieving your vehicle. So it's good etiquette to tip these double-duty valet attendants $1 or $2 before leaving and after claiming your car. And did you know that even if the sign says they're full, waving a $5 bill could still get you into valet? (Of course, you, , , have to ac, tually give them the $5 when you get out of your car!) 87 Now that you're a Las Vegan . . . be sure to sign up with the Player's Club at each casino to get those famed 2-for-1 specials for locals as well as other coupons and discounts mailed to yo, u. , ,, ,, , P, layer's Club incentives include free buffets and meals at restaurants, even cash back. Certain casinos offer promotional days. For example, if you play for a designated amount of minutes, you can receive a free T-shirt, hat, visor, mug, etc. 88 Want to make the news? Late summer is thunderstorm season. One sure way to get your name mentioned is to attempt to drive through a flooded road during one of our monsoons. If you survive, we'll use you as an example of what not to do. — Kevin Janison |
"Newcomer to Native Sponsors"
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